Life and Works of Edgar Allen Poe

Birth and Death

Edgar Allan Poe was born on January 19,1809 in Boston, Massachusetts. He died on October 7, 1849 .

Childhood

During his childhood, Poe lived with his foster parents. This was because his mother and father had died before he turned three years old. His foster father, John Allan, was a merchant who spoiled Poe but would also harshly discipline him. The family actually never legally adopted him. When he was a boy, Edgar was able to attend some of the best schools there were.

Family Life

Edgar did not have much of a family life. Both of his parents died when he was still young and he would spend more time at schools than with his foster parents and actual family.

Accomplishments

Edgar Allen Poe had several poems that became popular during his life. These poems include "Annabel Lee" and "The Raven". He was known by several titles and had several jobs, like a literary critic, editor, author, and poet. He invented the genre of detective fiction and helped cause the genre of science fiction.

Career

Poe joined the army when he was 18 so he would be able to support himself. He was promoted and had to prepare shells for artillery. He later was discharged on April 15, 1829. Edgar tried to live by writing poems and short stories alone, but had to get other jobs to get by. He would sometimes have to do odd jobs and would get jobs for editing different magazines and giving reviews on books. He would repeatedly end up asking for money and help.

When did he decide to write poetry?

Edgar published his first poems when he was in the army. It was called "Tamerlane and Other Poems." After his brother's death on August 31,1831, Poe tried to start a career as a writer.

Edgar Allen Poe wrote his poetry during the Romantic Period (1820-1900), which was a time where music and literature were bonded in a union of the arts. During this period, composers tried to make their music more poetic, and poets tried to make their poems sound more musical. Freedom of expression and powerful feelings were used in both music and literature. Romantics (people who supported romanticism) were drawn to fantasy, chivalry, romance, and tales of horror & the supernatural.

Famous Works

"Annabel Lee"

"A Dream Within a Dream"

"Alone"

"A Dream"

"The Raven"

"A Valentine"

"Eldorado"

"Dreamland"

"Dreams"

"The Bells"

"An Enigma"

"Evening Star"

“The Bells” by Edgar Allan Poe

I

Hear the sledges with the bells-

Silver bells!

What a world of merriment their melody foretells!